American Bar Association report highlights India’s contravention of FATF guidelines in targeting civil society and human rights defenders
Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2023) – The American Bar Association Center for Human Rights has released a report that sheds light on the misuse of counter-terrorism financing legislation by India’s ruling Hindu nationalist government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This misuse primarily targets non-profit organizations (NPOs) and human rights defenders.
Titled “The Adverse Impact of Counter Terrorism Laws on Human Rights Defenders and FATF Compliance in India,” the report finds that India is contravening the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) requirements and guidelines by targeting the human rights defenders & civil society actors.
“India, upon its membership to the FATF in 2010, embarked on a series of amendments to its anti-terrorism and money laundering legislation, ostensibly aimed at aligning itself with FATF requirements. However, this process has led to sweeping adverse consequences for non-profit organizations (NPOs) and human rights defenders who have been subject to prosecution, often for the sole reason of exercising their civic freedoms and expressing criticism of the government,” the report notes.
The report examines three draconian anti-terrorism laws: the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967 (UAPA), the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Furthermore, it delves into specific cases involving NPOs and human rights defenders in India, including the bogus case against journalist Siddique Kappan, the application of terror funding charges against protestors of the citizenship bill, the arrest of Kashmiri political leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, the Bhima Koregaon case, and the suppression of democratic rights activists in Telangana.
The report reveals that Indian investigating authorities often employ vague accusations and inconsistent evidence in their attempts to penalize human rights defenders and NPOs critical of India’s government. Moreover, it notes that anti-terror laws have expanded over time, becoming increasingly ambiguous and frequently undermining fundamental procedural protections for defendants.
The report has recommended the Indian government amend the UAPA, PMLA, and FCRA laws to prevent its abuse. It also advises that during investigations or prosecutions involving individuals engaged in legal, journalistic, or activist activities, authorities should prioritize objective risk assessments to ensure compliance with FATF recommendations.
In response to the report release, Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed commented: “ABA’s report highlights an alarming pattern of targeting human rights defenders and NGOs in India, an issue we’ve consistently brought to attention in the past. As we seek to uphold the principles of justice and human rights, it is imperative that India takes heed of these findings and undertakes the necessary amendments. The development of anti-terrorism laws should not come at the expense of civil society and its defenders, and we call for a renewed commitment to upholding these fundamental principles and ensuring compliance with FATF recommendations.”
Read and download the full report here
